Archbishop Carroll Girls' Lacrosse Claims 17th Consecutive PCL Title In 20-3 Victory Over O'Hara

By Angelise Stuhl , 05/23/17, 1:15PM EDT

Cardinal O'Hara Team Introductions:

Archbishop Carroll Team Introductions:

ASTON, PA - 17 for 2017…

That was this year’s motto for Archbishop Carroll’s girls’ lacrosse team as they made it a goal to seize their 17th consecutive Philadelphia Catholic League Title.

Yesterday evening at Neumann University, that objective became a blissful reality. The Patriots defeated Cardinal O’Hara 20-3 earning the right to once again hoist the coveted PCL plaque.

2017 PCL Girls' LAX Highlight Video

“This win feels different than other ones,” said PCL girls’ lacrosse MVP, Sam Swart. “Coming from freshmen year to here, those four years, I’ve done something in there and that means a lot. I want to leave a mark at Carroll. So 17 for 2017, really means a lot because I’m doing it with my team and I’m not alone.”

Carroll junior Katie Detwiler started the Patriot’s offensive attack, scoring the first goal just 20 seconds into the game. Detwiler attributed her team’s 17th championship victory to their teamwork and dexterous work ethic.

“Just all around I think we are really deep. We all work together so well…the movement… it all just seemed to click today,” said Detwiler.

Sam Swart Post-Game Interview:

Katie Detwiler Post-Game Interview

Madelyn Ferraioli Post-Game Interview

Their collaboration on offense was clearly displayed as the Patriots tallied 14 different goal scorers throughout the game. Swart led Carroll with four goals followed by Detwiler with a hat trick.

This year, the Patriots averaged 18.4 goals per game during the regular PCL season. What’s even more remarkable is that Carroll’s goalie, senior Madelyn Ferraioli, has only allowed her PCL opponents to score a total of 11 goals, which equates to 1.1 goals per game.

When asked about the secret to her success in goal, Ferraioli’s initial response was a shocked, “I don’t know,” before giving credit to her team’s incredible defense.

“We are a strong D-unit. Last year was our first year for our defense to come together and this year I guess we are more prepared and know each other and we are there for each other,” said Ferraioli.

In the final, the Lions were able to beat the odds by racking up three goals against Ferraioli. Erin Grady scored twice for O’Hara and Anna Dirita found the back of the net once.

This afternoon, Carroll is set to play in the District 12 city championship at Northeast High School at 3:00 p.m.. The winner will advance to the first round of the PIAA state tournament, which will take place on May 31st at 3:00 p.m. back at Neumann University.

No matter what happens in the post season, Carroll’s seniors were ecstatic to leave the field as PCL champions one last time and offered words of advice to their younger teammates in order for Carroll’s legacy to live on.

“Stay strong, be leaders and be examples for the younger people. Practice and have fun,” said Ferraioli.

“Leave it your all. You never know when it’s going to be your last game. This was my last Catholic League game, and it’s kinda sad, I didn’t think it was going to be this sad but it is. Give it your all and have fun with it,” said Swart.